Purpurin dosage

Purpurin (CAS 81-54-9) is a natural dye of plant origin, belonging to the anthraquinone family. It is mainly extracted from dyer's madder ( Rubia tinctorum ) , a plant historically used for dyeing textiles, but today also studied for its antioxidant and biological properties .
The dosage of purpurin makes it possible to madder extracts purity of plant dyes and to control the quality of nutraceutical or cosmetic formulations incorporating natural pigments. This analysis is part of an approach to traceability and valorization of dyes of natural origin, in the face of synthetic alternatives.

Analytical methods used

Purpurin analysis is based on high-performance chromatographic methods adapted to the detection of anthraquinone compounds:

• HPLC-DAD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Detector) : a reference technique for the separation and quantification of natural pigments. It allows for a complete chromatographic profile to be obtained and purpurin to be identified among other anthraquinones such as alizarin.
• LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry) : used for specific and sensitive detection , particularly in complex or low-concentration matrices.

reliable, reproducible and traceable results , meeting the requirements of ISO 17025 .
To learn more about the subject, also discover the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) , commonly used for pigment and secondary metabolite analyses.

Affected matrices

The dosage of purpurin can be carried out on different types of natural or industrial matrices:

• Raw extracts of madder roots ( Rubia tinctorum , Rubia cordifolia ).
• Natural dyes and colorants used in cosmetics, textiles and food processing.
• Nutraceutical formulations and antioxidant products based on madder.
• Quality control samples for the identification of colorants of natural origin.
• This analysis makes it possible to evaluate the purpurin content , to ensure the consistency of batches and to detect possible adulterations by synthetic dyes .

Industrial and scientific applications

Purpurin analysis has multiple applications in different fields:

• Authentication of natural colorants : verification of plant origin and compliance with purity specifications.
• Quality control of botanical extracts : standardization of raw materials for the nutraceutical and cosmetic industries.
• Research and innovation : study of the antioxidant, photoprotective and colorimetric properties of anthraquinones.
• Textiles and food industry : validation of extraction processes and formulations containing natural dyes.

In the field of research, the purpurin assay is often associated with complementary analyses such as the assay of alizarin (another anthraquinone of madder) or the assay of total polyphenols to evaluate the overall antioxidant capacities of an extract.

Regulatory and quality issues

European and international regulations require precise labeling and complete traceability of natural colorants used in foodstuffs, cosmetics, and nutraceutical products.
Purpurin measurement is part of this framework to:

• Demonstrate regulatory compliance and the absence of contamination by synthetic dyes.
• Ensure analytical consistency between production batches.
• organic or “clean label” certification processes .

Compliance with purity thresholds and the exact quantification of purpurin contribute to securing formulations and promoting natural products on the market.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab relies on a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in chromatographic and spectrometric analyses of natural compounds.
Each service is adapted to your needs: type of matrix, analytical method, detection threshold, or specific regulatory compliance.
Our experts support manufacturers, formulators and distributors in the interpretation of results and the implementation of quality controls adapted to their natural products.

Thanks to its digital platform , YesWeLab simplifies analysis management: requesting quotes, tracking samples, consulting technical reports online.

To complete your analyses, also discover:

• The dosage of chrysophanol , another anthraquinone present in certain medicinal plants.
• The dosage of rutoside (rutin) , used to evaluate the antioxidant potential of plant extracts.

For any specific request or analytical project, contact our scientific team for tailor-made support.